Telefunken
and Sierra College opened their doors to 85 high school students from Truckee, North
Tahoe and Roseville high schools as well as mechatronics students from the Sierra
College Truckee campus on Friday, April 20. The goal of the field trip was to
give students a memorable experience that pointed out the paths to well-paid,
local technical careers. Telefunken employees in Roseville and Sierra College
faculty in Rocklin demonstrated tools, gave advice and answered questions
ranging from prerequisites to salaries.

The
students were excited about the different careers such as drafting and design
that they are not exposed to at their high school according to Anne
Butterworth, Engineering Technology teacher, North Tahoe High School. “The
biggest benefit for the students was seeing the college and career
opportunities that are available to anybody, not just the straight A honor roll
student,” said Butterworth. “Also, the students were able to see that
what we do in our class is relevant to the outside world.”

According
to Matthew Nadeau, Director of Manufacturing, Telefunken Semiconductors
America, the company has hired several Sierra College Mechatronics graduates
and welcomed the opportunity to encourage students to consider a technical
career. “This was a rare opportunity for students to see how chips used in
anti-locking braking automotive electronics systems are produced,” said Nadeau.
“Our employees were excited to demonstrate the equipment they use in a
high-tech production environment and share what they enjoy about their careers.
For students, seeing where they might work could motivate them to focus on a
career path.”

While
at Sierra College, students toured the Welding, Mechatronics, Construction,
Automotive and Drafting & Engineering Support departments. Alison Salome,
Drafting & Engineering Support Department Chair, impressed the students
with samples of projects produced on rapid prototype equipment. She also highly
recommended the field of drafting for women because of their ability to
multi-task and pay attention to the fine details.

“My
goal is to give you skills to put you to work,” said Salome. “With just four
classes in two semesters, you can earn an employability certificate and start
at approximately $13-14 per hour. In four semesters, you can complete one of
three Skills Certificates or your AA degree and earn about $25 per hour, the average
wage for drafters in the Sacramento region.”

Local
employers are seeking skilled technicians explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge,
director of the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies
(CACT) and administrator of the Sierra Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math (STEM) Collaborative grant (www.sierraschoolworks.com).
"The purpose of the field trip was to increase the pipeline of students
attending Sierra College and preparing for future jobs as skilled technical
employees,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “Buses and other costs were funded by Sierra
STEM Collaborative grant, awarded by the California Community College
Chancellor's Office." Friday’s field trip was also supported by the Sierra
College Perkins 1C grant.